Theories of Romantic Relationships- Rusbult’s investment model of commitment Flashcards
What did Rusbult’s investment model of relationships evolve from?
Social Exchange Theory
What did the model evolve from?
the decision to stay or leave a relationship was a result of the
Commitment an individual had to that relationship
What are three factors that determine the level of relationship commitment?
Satisfaction Level, Comparison with Alternatives and Investment Size.
What is satisfaction influenced by?
the degree to which an individual’s feels their needs are being
met by their partner.
What is a satisfying relationship?
one where the rewards are judged to outweigh the costs and therefore seen as profitable.
What does a satisfaction do?
strengthens commitment.
What is comparison with alternatives?
-Individuals will make comparisons of their current relationship to other potential relationships or even being on their own.
-An individual will assess if their needs will be better met in alternative relationships.
What does it mean if they perceive their needs with be better met elsewhere?
then the quality of alternatives is high
What does it mean if they believe their needs are best met within the current relationship?
then the quality of alternatives is low and hence commitment to the existing relationship is strengthened.
What is a distinct difference from social exchange theory?
Rusbult, considered the level of investment a person put into a relationship and its effect on commitment
what are investments?
the resources associated with the relationship that would diminish or would be lost should an individual terminate the relationship.
what do investments include?
-intrinsic investments; resources put directly into the relationship, such as effort, finances and self-disclosures.
-also extrinsic investments; resources which are ‘jointly owned’ such as items bought together, mutual friends and children.
What do investments act as?
a barrier to dissolution, with the greater amount and higher importance of the investments correlating positively with the strength of commitment.
Taking everything into account, what did rusbult suggest?
a relationship with high satisfaction, low comparison to alternatives and high investment increases the level of commitment to the relationship and is likely to be maintained
